This section explains what the points-based system for immigration is, how it works, the five tiers, the points-based assessment, sponsorship duties and the timetable for launch.

On Friday 29 February 2008, a new immigration system was launched to ensure that only those with the right skills or the right contribution will be able to come to the United Kingdom to work and study.

The points-based system enables us to control migration more effectively, tackle abuse and identify the most talented workers.

The key elements of the system are:

it combines more than 80 pre-existing work and study routes in to the United Kingdom into five tiers;
points are awarded on workers' skills to reflect aptitude, experience, age and also the demand for those skills any given sector, to allow the United Kingdom to respond flexibly to changes in the labour market;
it is a fair, transparent and objective system that will enable potential migrants to assess their likelihood of making a successful application and should help to reduce the number of failed applications.
The system is being introduced in phases.